PRESS RELEASE
SUNDAY 30TH June 2019
On June 10th, 2019, a moment of darkness was experienced by SWAHA Sri Raam Dhaam in Diego Martin. During the early morning hours, an attempt was made to break into the Centre. The correct identification of the miscreants, whether thieves, terrorists, vandals or arsonists would have to be given by the police, following their investigations.
When the miscreants could not gain access to the temple, they set on fire the original concrete murtis which were used for worship in the early years of the Centre. These murtis were placed in an open temple under the 15-foot Hanuman at the front of Centre.
The heroes of the moment were Lakshmi Roopan and her family. Living a short distance away from the temple, immediately upon hearing the explosion, they called police and fire services. Her son Amir and her husband Ronald ran to the Centre, Amir jumped the front wall and began to pour water on the fire. Suresh Ramcharitar, our Building Officer, together with Christendaye Reemaul, our Treasurer, Rudy Ramkissoon, the Temple Manager and Maya Khillawan, Head of Religious Committees, were alerted and were among the first on the scene to minimize the destruction. They were accompanied by other members and the relevant authorities.
The very same day, reconstruction and restoration began. Today, 20 days later, the murtis have been fully restored, all repairs have been completed and the murtis are being re-established.
Today, we celebrate the force of light over darkness, good over evil as well as forces of unity and positive action over terrorism, fanatical hatred and the darkness and low levels to which humans can descend.
As a place of sanctuary and a haven of peace, progress and development, SWAHA Sri Raam Dhaam salutes all the hardworking members of the Centre and all who have supported and contributed to the restoration.
This experience has strengthened us and deepened our resolve to do good, to build and contribute positively to our society, thereby serving Sanatan Dharma further.
Pundit Maniedeo Persad FLMI(Dist.), ACII,
Founder and Spiritual Leader SWAHA Sri RAAM Dhaam
Trinidad and Tobago’s High Commissioner to India 2003-2010.
pandita indrani
Namaste (I bow to the Divinity) all. May you continue to be strengthened in your spiritual pursuits. You have shown your commitment to higher moral, ethical, and spiritual principles than those of the perpetrators of violence, who will undoubtedly experience the laws of karma. Peace is in such great demand in the world today. You, your fellow leaders, and devotees are to be congratulated for taking the high ground of peace.
Om.